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I use both gagnon line and heavy mono. Most of my bait rigs are gagnon, with a sliding swivel for attaching the weight. I use either a basic overhand knot in a loop, then loop it through/over the swivel or hook. The other knot that is a bit more elegant is a Perfection Knot. Google it, very easy to tie once you figure it out from the diagrams. There is a gagnon knot too, but I've had difficulty finding it online last I looked.

I also use the heavy mono with crimps. I use this for some squid jigs and for jig leaders between my main line (braided) and the weighted jigs like lead-heads. Gives me something to grab as I try to control a fish at the surface. These work great, but may be a bit more susceptible to abrasion than the gagnon.

I use J-hooks on jigs only, circle for bait. 16/0 to 18/0 for most bait, maybe a 20/0 if I want to soak a big salmon head. Doesn't seem to be much difference in hookup percentage.

my rigs seem to work well

i start out with a three way swivel and i use 100# mono. on one side ill crimp the mono with maybe a foot of leader finished with a corkscrew swivel. this is where the weight goes. on the other side ill have about a foot and a half of leader and ill crimp on a circle hook to finish the rig. this way, when you get to the fishing hole you just attach your weight and bait and send it to the bottom. i havent lost a fish to date. alot of people are anti crimp but it hasnt let me down so far.

I use both gagnon line and heavy mono. Most of my bait rigs are gagnon, with a sliding swivel for attaching the weight. I use either a basic overhand knot in a loop, then loop it through/over the swivel or hook. The other knot that is a bit more elegant is a Perfection Knot. Google it, very easy to tie once you figure it out from the diagrams. There is a gagnon knot too, but I've had difficulty finding it online last I looked.

I also use the heavy mono with crimps. I use this for some squid jigs and for jig leaders between my main line (braided) and the weighted jigs like lead-heads. Gives me something to grab as I try to control a fish at the surface. These work great, but may be a bit more susceptible to abrasion than the gagnon.

I use J-hooks on jigs only, circle for bait. 16/0 to 18/0 for most bait, maybe a 20/0 if I want to soak a big salmon head. Doesn't seem to be much difference in hookup percentage.

Good luck!

Chris

My setup is similar to Mort's. I really like the palomar knot for securing the swivels and hooks. Easy and very strong. Here is a link to help with your knots: http://www.netknots.com/html/fishing_knots.html It also has the perfection knot. While fishing bait I have started using 20/0 hooks. It seemed to really help with hook ups. Even the little guys had no problems finding the hook. I have had problems with mono break at the crimps from store bought rigs, so I just use the knots. Have fun .

I use 300# mono and crimp it. I've been debating going to gagnon but I have enough bait rigs and I generally run jigs. One advantage of gagnon is you can soak it in herring oil and it'll provide some extra scent.

Great info guys Thanks. I think I will try both ways to see what I like best.

It seems like most of you are using bigger hooks than I was planning. I have mostly been using 14/0 and 16/0, typical Mustad premade rigs.

I scored a free charter last year and we were using some smaller hooks, I think they were 10/0. Any one use anything that small? They seemed to work pretty good, landed 1 @ 140# and 1 @ 60# plus a full limit for 14 people of 20-30#.

I was thinking of making up some like that with 100# mono and doing some light tackle fishing.

A couple concerns with the 100# mono. To me it doesn't have the stiffness to keep the terminal tackley from tangling up with the main line. Also butts are toothy buggers and can really tear up lighter line. There's a reason folks use 300-500# mono, weedwacker line or gagnon.

I'm kind of biased, because I have grown up and seen everyone I know use the Gagione line because it's strong, tough, doesn't have the memory mono will leave you with. You can also catch Lings with it and I haven't had one bite through it yet. I love the stuff.

Here is a pic of how I rig my rigs. They aren't the best pics, but to give you a visual.

Here are some i tied. I could not find the Gagione line you talked about on ebay. I wish i could find some but living in MN there is none to be had here. I used para cord as that is all i had available to me. I tied them with a uni knot. I hope it wont tangle to bad. If anyone see's any on ebay please let me know!

Gangion Line

Originally Posted by kgpcr

Here are some i tied. I could not find the Gagione line you talked about on ebay. I wish i could find some but living in MN there is none to be had here. I used para cord as that is all i had available to me. I tied them with a uni knot. I hope it wont tangle to bad. If anyone see's any on ebay please let me know!